4 ways to push through holiday withdrawal

After holidays like Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and New Year’s, you totally have permission to feel a little sluggish when getting back to work. Late nights at seasonal gatherings followed by early mornings filled with your favorite treats can really wear you out, but also have a way of making you wish times like these were year-round.

Here’s how to get through the holiday withdrawal during your first few days back in the office.

Take the breaks you need at work

In other words, don’t do what I did on my first day back in the office this morning. Instead of slogging it out without getting up to take a break, be sure to get up for a change of pace – your brain will thank you.

Be sure to eat on time, hydrate, and keep your blood flowing properly with brisk walks to break things up a bit during the workday.

Start planning something to look forward to — like your next vacation

There’s nothing like having something super-fun coming up in the new year. So why wait?

Start organizing for that trip you’ve been wanting to take for months (or even years) now. Get the ball rolling by meeting with a travel agent to talk about options in person, and surfing the web for ideas in your free time. Request time off.

Keep up with seeing friends and family more often in the new year

What did seeing your loved ones do for you? If you felt more centered and reminded of who you are and where you come from, you should seek more of this feeling in the new year — especially if you have big changes coming up at work.

To be a good friend, you have to make the time for your peers — here’s how to do it when you’re constantly slammed with things to do.

How did seeing your family members make you feel? Re-energized for the new year? Go seek out more of that feeling by meeting with those you love. It can life both your spirit and your mood.

Take down those decorations

I mean this in the least grinch-like way possible, but putting away your holiday items could really help ease the transition back into the grind.

Of course, everyone goes at their own pace when it comes to stuff like this, but the last thing you need is a reminder of all the holiday fun you’re not having anymore…until the next occasion comes around, that is.

Once you put the boxes away, you can put new things out that remind you of great times you’ve had at different points of the year.